Population structure and genetic diversity of red deer (Cervus elaphus) in forest fragments in north-western France

Abstract

Red deer have been subjected to anthropogenic interference for many centuries. Most populations are managed according to hunting schedules, some have been kept long-term in enclosures and other populations have been restocked with foreign deer. The red deer in the Brittany region of north-western France only occupy the largest forests in the region, reaching quite high densities in restricted areas. Here, we aimed to assess the extent of the genetic variability of the populations in four forest fragments and investigate their population genetic structure. We show that, despite relatively large expected heterozygosity values, these geographically isolated populations are genetically impoverished relative to individuals from large continuous forests in other parts of Western Europe. We provide evidence for population genetic structure with large genetic differentiation between geographically close populations, suggesting the absence of effective exchange between the forests. Using samples from the most likely source population, we show that at least two populations were non-indigenous. In order to limit further loss of genetic diversity, it should be a management objective to reduce isolation of the different forests, rather than further increase it by fences and hunting practices that could limit free movement of red deer.

Genetic variation and structure in Scandinavian red deer (Cervus elaphus): influence of ancestry, past hunting, and restoration management

“…The free‐living populations in southern Skåne probably represent the genetically intact nominate subspecies, but to preserve its genetic distinctiveness, a local management plan is required. Similar conclusions have been drawn in Poland, where only one population was found to harbour autochthonous C. elaphus and all the rest contained introduced genotypes (Niedzialkowska et al ., , ), and in France, where two out of four populations studied were non‐indigenous (Dellicour et al ., ). In Skåne Zoo and in the Västergötland population, the impact of translocated specimens with unclear origin may be considerable, also stressing the need for careful management.…”

Using genetic tools to estimate the prevalence of non‐native red deer (Cervus elaphus) in a Western European population

“…Detailed information on the PCR composition and reaction times can be found in Dellicour et al. (). We obtained a complete 13‐loci genetic profile for 1,746 of the 1,780 deer, with the remaining profiles having genotypes at a minimum of 11 loci.…”

“…for references see Kuehn et al, 2003) in three multiplex polymerase chain reactions (PCR) using the Qiagen Multiplex kit (Qiagen, Hilden, Germany). Detailed information on the PCR composition and reaction times can be found in Dellicour et al (2011). We obtained a complete 13-loci genetic profile for 1,746 of the 1,780 deer, with the remaining profiles having genotypes at a minimum of 11 loci.…”

Regression commonality analyses on hierarchical genetic distances

“…In continental Europe, resource supplementation is an important characteristic of habitat selection in red deer, with a trade-off between using shelter in wooded habitats during the day and foraging semi-natural open areas at night (Godvik et al 2009, Allen et al 2014). Nevertheless, the absence or the loss of connectivity between forest massifs due to resistant natural landscape features or human activities is expected to hinder gene flow in this species (Perez-Espona et al 2009, Dellicour et al 2011, Frantz et al 2012, Pérez-González et al 2012.…”